Family friendly tunes from Rudolph, the Grinch and more.
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
Courtesy Everett Collection
For people of all ages, music is one of the best parts about Christmastime.
But while adults might favor bestselling holiday classics like Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” and Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” — or possibly even more contemporary classics such as Mariah Carey’s chart-topping “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me” — kids deservedly have claim to a major chunk of the seasonal music canon that better reflects their perspectives on December 25. That includes iconic theme songs from evergreen cartoons like Frosty the Snowman and A Charlie Brown Christmas, as well as the best tracks from holiday episodes of children’s TV programs and enduring standalone singalongs like “All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth” and “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.”
But don’t be too quick to write any of those songs off as mere “kids’ music.” Many of the Xmas tracks geared toward our world’s tiniest humans compete with their more mature counterparts on the charts every year, with “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” often finishing each year in the top 40 of Billboard‘s annual Holiday 100 ranking.
Save lyrics about kissing under the mistletoe and beating holiday traffic for the grown-ups. The kiddos crave whimsy, humor and odes to presents, cookies and Mr. Claus — as they should. Keep reading to see Billboard‘s 25 favorite family-friendly Christmas tunes to enjoy with the littles in your life below.
Elmo & Patsy, “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer”
This song loses a couple points on this specific list for its slightly alarming concept, but overall, it’s a funny tune for the kiddos out there with a darker sense of humor. And to all the Grandmas reading, a word of advice: Duck!
Peppa Pig, “Family Christmas Fun”
Peppa’s excitement to spend the holiday season with her family — Mummy, Daddy, Grandpa, Granny and George, to be specific — jumps right through the speakers, reminding little ones what’s actually most important about Christmas.
Shirley Temple, “Nuttin’ for Christmas”
This cutesy Shirley Temple tune doubles as a comedic listen and a sage word to the wise: If you hide frogs in people’s beds, spill ink on your mother’s rugs or fill the sugar bowl with ants, you may very well be excluded from Santa’s Nice List.
The Elf on the Shelf, “Snowflake Song”
Let’s deck the halls and dance all night! The “Snowflake Shuffle” from countless kids’ favorite Christmas mascot — and annual encourager of good behavior — will get your kids on their feet.
The McGuire Sisters, “Christmas Alphabet”
Why not sneak some alphabet practice into your kids’ holiday fun? The McGuire Sisters transform the word “Christmas” into a playful acronym on this 1954 chestnut, later recorded by Dickie Valentine.
Raffi, “On Christmas Morning”
Raffi is already the king of kids’ music year-round, and his 1983 Christmas album is no exception. On his original track “On Christmas Morning,” the singer-songwriter encapsulates the best few seconds of the a.m. on Dec. 25: jumping out of bed right at the crack of dawn to check out what’s under the tree.
Spongebob Squarepants, “Don’t Be a Jerk (It’s Christmas)”
Did you know they celebrate Christmas under the sea, too? Bikini Bottom’s favorite fry cook sings this kid-humor-packed PSA to remind listeners to be kind during the holiday season. Honorable mention: “The Very First Christmas” from Spongebob Squarepants‘ second season.
Miss Piggy, “Santa Baby”
Only Miss Piggy could take a more adult-sounding song like “Santa Baby” and bring a youthful hilarity to it. Scratch the boys — think of all the frogs she hasn’t kissed! (Looking at you, Kermit.)
The Wiggles, “Go Santa Go!”
Even Mr. Claus needs some cheering on. Sing along to this song from The Wiggles’ Wiggly, Wiggly Christmas album on Christmas Eve while keeping an eye on your favorite Santa tracker.
Rosemary Clooney, “Suzy Snowflake”
Wee, look who’s coming! This playful homage to winter flurries — made popular by Ms. Rosemary Clooney — inspired an iconic cartoon short in the 1950s.
Gene Autry, “Here Comes Santa Claus”
What celebrating family doesn’t love counting down to Santa’s arrival? Autry’s 1947 classic perfectly channels Christmas Eve jitters into a narrative jingle that’ll get incurably stuck in your head at least once this season.
Mickey and the Gang, “Jingle Bells”
You can’t beat a classic. “Jingle Bells” has been covered ad nauseam over the years, but kids can hear it sung by some of their favorite Disney characters with Mickey and the Gang’s version (that is, if they haven’t graduated to singing, “Jingle bells, Batman smells/ Robin laid an egg…”).
Frozen, “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”
This standout from Disney’s Frozen soundtrack isn’t necessarily a Christmas song, but it has definitely become a seasonal staple in the kids’ canon since the film premiered in 2013. Proof: the track places No. 50 on Billboard’s Greatest of All Time Holiday songs chart.
The Jackson 5, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”
Originally sung by Jimmy Boyd and famously covered by The Jackson 5, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” is open for interpretation. Did mommy really kiss Mr. Claus, or is it just daddy dressed in a red suit and beard for the holidays?
The Polar Express, “The Polar Express”
All of the magic and wonder of 2004’s The Polar Express is packed into the soundtrack’s racing title track, featuring Tom Hanks leading a choir of kids chugging along the tracks toward the North Pole.
Nat King Cole, “All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)”
Written by Donald Yetter Gardner and performed by a number of singers over the years — including Nat King Cole — “All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)” gives voice to a very underrepresented population among us: kiddos stuck in between their baby and adult teeth.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, “Welcome Christmas”
Decades after How the Grinch Stole Christmas became an essential holiday cartoon, it’s still charming to sing “Dahoo dores” with the citizens of Whoville each year — no matter how big of a Grinch you are.
Gayla Peevey, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas”
There are some gifts even Santa Claus can’t pull off — and for kids whose Christmas lists are a little too ambitious, “I Want a Hippopotamus” might provide some sanctuary.
Bruce Springsteen, “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”
Countless artists have put their own spin on “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” but The Boss brings all of the energy and spirit kids recognize in their own hearts every Christmastime.
Gene Autry, “Frosty the Snowman”
Gene Autry’s classic “Frosty the Snowman” tells a story so compelling, it inspired the now-iconic 1969 TV special of the same name. Thumpety thump thump, thumpety thump thump, look at Frosty go!
Vince Guaraldi Trio, “Christmastime Is Here”
Though Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack is full of smooth-jazz holiday staples, “Christmas Time Is Here” is definitely a highlight. (But if your kids are in a more energetic mood, consider “Linus & Lucy” for a fun dance party!)
John Denver & The Muppets, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”
Practically any version of this simple Christmas melody makes for an easy, kid-approved singalong, but John Denver’s version with The Muppets is extra special.
Thurl Ravenscroft, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”
Before his heart grows three sizes with the magic of Christmas, the Grinch is a bonafide bad banana with a greasy black peel. This one sure is fun to sing along to — the more theatrical, the better.
The Chipmunks with David Seville, “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)”
Nothing captures a young child’s view on Christmas better than The Chipmunks’ famous ditty, which bottles up all the excitement and restlessness that leads up to Santa’s journey down the chimney. But seriously, Christmas: Don’t be late.
Gene Autry, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
Bing Crosby and Mariah Carey might be the king and queen of Christmas tunes for adults, but Mr. Autry is the GOAT when it comes to holiday classics the kids love. The crooner’s 1949 hit “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is prime singalong material and, 15 years later, inspired the cartoon of the same name.
